Timberwolves Clinch Playoff Berth with Win Over Pacers

Ayo Dosunmu scores 24 points to lead Minnesota to 124-104 victory

Apr. 8, 2026 at 10:58am

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The Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a top-six seed in the Western Conference playoffs with a 124-104 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. Ayo Dosunmu led the Timberwolves with 24 points, while Julius Randle and Bones Hyland each added 19 points. The Timberwolves were able to win despite the absences of All-Star guard Anthony Edwards and Jayden McDaniels.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves' victory clinched their spot in the playoffs, avoiding the Western Conference's play-in tournament. This is a significant accomplishment for the team as they look to build momentum heading into the postseason.

The details

The Timberwolves jumped out to an early double-digit lead and never looked back, leading by as many as 25 points in the second half. Ethan Thompson led the Pacers with 17 points, but Indiana struggled without several key injured players and lost its third straight game.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • The Timberwolves clinched their playoff berth later that night when the Houston Rockets beat the Phoenix Suns.

The players

Ayo Dosunmu

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored a team-high 24 points in the win.

Julius Randle

A forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 19 points in the victory.

Bones Hyland

A guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who scored 19 points and dished out 7 assists.

Ethan Thompson

A player for the Indiana Pacers who led his team with 17 points in the loss.

Anthony Edwards

An All-Star guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves who missed the game due to a right knee injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Timberwolves will travel to Orlando for their final back-to-back of the regular season on Wednesday.

The takeaway

The Timberwolves' victory over the Pacers clinched their spot in the playoffs, a significant achievement as the team looks to build momentum heading into the postseason. Despite key absences, Minnesota was able to dominate the game and secure the win, showcasing the depth and talent on their roster.